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Ofcom discusses new broadband technology
Tuesday 17th November 2009, by Daniel King
A discussion has been published this week regarding a new form of technology that seeks to improve broadband services across the UK for those who live in remote or currently under-supported areas.
Ofcom explained it was looking into how wireless internet facilities could be improved by utilising the spaces created by unused television signals to link up enabled devices to provide more options for people in these regions.
These unoccupied radio waves are known as 'white spaces' and, according to the telecommunications watchdog, represent a potential solution for helping more people in Britain get online.
It was noted that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices would typically use higher frequencies and plans for new gadgets that utilise the system would instead rely on lower-frequency signals that can more easily penetrate walls.
Professor William Webb, head of research and development at Ofcom, explained that the discovery could have a whole range of implications for the web sector that extend beyond rural access to stronger and more reliable facilities for all.
However, he added the technology was still in its earliest stages and it has yet to be proven that making use of white spaces would not occur until "a significant amount of work" was done relating to supporting the claims currently being made.
"The purpose of this discussion document is to further the thinking that is taking place around the world on geolocation and speed the development of possible solutions," he concluded.
It was also revealed this week that Ofcom had published a report to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport looking at changes to the media ownership that could affect the content people enjoy through their broadband, television and radio services.
Categories: Broadband, Wireless Broadband
